Established North Wales football club could fold unless they find a new manager – please help!

One year short of its 50th birthday a North Wales village football club is fighting for its future.

Llandyrnog United desperately need a new first team manager or faces the possibility of folding.

The Vale of Clwyd based club, founded in 1975, have enjoyed many successes over the past 49 years, but now they have hit crisis point and need a helping hand.

Liam Nash had been appointed manager for the 2024-25 season, but he, along with his management team, have left Cae Nant.

Llandyrnog now desperately need a replacement to keep competing in the Tier 4 North Wales Coast East Premier Division in the campaign ahead.

Jimmy McNally is a former manager and chairman at Llandyrnog. His father, David (Pim), was a manager and strong voice at the club before him.

Jimmy, who is now in charge of Ruthin Colts, published the following passionate message and heartfelt plea on social media today: 

“Llandyrnog United FC is a well established football club, that has had a rich history, and has always been that underdog that has punched above its weight.

“Over recent years, due to criteria changes, the club found itself in tier 4, but has continued to strive and fight for a spot at the table. I should know, because I have spent my life supporting the club, and managing the club proudly.

“Over the years I have heard people mock the club, mock Cae Nant , and tell me it’s a poor club.

“This club has brought through lads that have gone on to do brilliant things in football over the years, this club has supported players when they needed somewhere to play to show their worth! 

“And as for Cae Nant, this pitch has been home to some incredible players over the years, and if it was good enough for them to achieve success going up to the dizzy heights of Cymru Alliance, then trust me, it’s good enough now!

“The disrespect needs to stop here! The club understands its current position, and it knows its place in football. Right now that place is in tier 4, a competitive division, home to fantastic clubs with great players.

“The opportunity to manage Llandyrnog United is a great one! The opportunity to represent this club as a player, a coach or a committee member is a privilege.

“Come and have a go! “

LLANDYRNOG UNITED – THE HISTORY

Based near Denbigh, Llandyrnog had been a dominant force in Vale of Clwyd area Summer League football for many years before they formed a winter league club in 1975.

Llandyrnog United were accepted into Division Four of the Clwyd League, winning the title and promotion at the first attempt in 1975-76.

In 1978-79, Dyrny were elevated to Division One after finishing runners-up to Flint Town United Reserves.

At the end of 1981-82, they were relegated to Division Two, then in 1983-84 formed part of Division One again after a Premier Division was established.

In 1989-90, under the leadership of Russ Pierce, United lifted the Division One Clwyd Cup and reached the NWCFA Junior Cup Final.

The following season saw Llandyrnog promoted back to the Premier Division after finishing runners-up to Trefnant Village in Division One.

The 1991-92 campaign witnessed Dyrny hit new heights, as under the inspirational Pierce they won the Premier Division title at the first time of asking 

Llandyrnog rose to the Tier 3 Welsh Alliance League for the first time and spent eight seasons at that level before relegation struck at the end of 1999/2000.

After three seasons back in the Clwyd League, winning the Mackenzie Jones League Cup along the way, they were promoted at the completion of 2002-23 after finishing second behind champions Rhyl Thirds, who could not go up.

On returning to the Welsh Alliance, Dyrny spent just one season there before reaching the highest level in the club’s history – the Tier 2 Cymru Alliance. 

United had finished second in the Welsh Alliance to champions Rhyl FC Reserves, who were prevented from elevation due to there having to be two levels between the Lilywhites’ second team and their firsts, who were in the Welsh Premier.

With John James now at the helm, Llandyrnog spent five seasons in the Cymru Alliance, finishing an excellent sixth in their debut campaign.

United were to spend the next 11 seasons from 2009-10 onwards – in the Welsh Alliance, lifting the Division Two title in 2012-13.

Changes in the structure of Welsh football in 2021-22 led to Llandyrnog being placed in the Tier 4 North Wales Coast East Premier Division, where they have held their own ever since.

Llandyrnog United have punched above their weight for years and provided many fantastic players as well as much entertainment for North Wales football.

Now they need a new manager to protect their future. We want them to reach their 50th birthday.

If you can help them please get in touch via their social media channels.